American soprano Laurel McCloskey is a performer, educator, innovator, and administrator, with a passionate focus on contemporary and emerging classical music. Laurel has performed the title role of Suor Angelica in Denver, CO; and been in productions of Amleto, Don Giovanni, Madame Butterfly, and Otello, with Opera Southwest. In addition, she has trained at the Bel Canto Institute, Wintergreen Music Festival, Potomac Vocal Institute, and recently attended the Vienna Summer Music Festival. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Washington University in St. Louis and a Master of Public Health from Johns Hopkins University. Laurel founded the thriving health-focused non-profit organization, the Chronic Disease Prevention Council and she was the Development Director for the National Dance Institute. Ms. McCloskey has advised arts organizations nationwide on funding and grant opportunities widely increasing access to classical music opportunities for emerging artists.